Successful “Open Day”.
The Neighbourhood Forum conducted its first public consultation on Saturday 20th April at Adel St John’s Church of England, Primary School. This gave the opportunity for Adel Residents and others to express their views on future land use in the area and other issues arising from these developments.
We were advised that a successful day should attract an attendance of 100 persons; in the event 138 people turned up and more importantly they more than filled the response boards with their views. These views will be collated and analysed and form the basis for further research by six Focus Groups. The Groups will cover the main issues such as Housing, Traffic, Education Provision, Heritage and Environment, Community Services and Business Support. If any of these topics interest you please contact me on the e-mail below.
To provide a flavour of the messages received, some of the wide ranging issues are listed below.
Residents wish to retain the leafy, rural character of Adel and protect the green setting of Adel Parish Church and other listed buildings. There were views on footpaths which link up green space and cycle ways.
In terms of housing design, a high level of support was received for maintaining the character of Adel i.e. individuality amongst its properties. Strong themes came out on the type of housing required and in some cases the desire for smaller properties e.g. bungalows. Affordability was a theme for younger people to remain in the area or move back to the area. At the other end of the spectrum there were messages proposing sheltered accommodation, perhaps warden-assisted care.
Clear concerns were expressed on the challenges of being unable to find a place at the two excellent Adel Primary Schools which were already oversubscribed and faced increased demand due to development.
Church Lane/Adel Lane has particular traffic problems being a “rat run” for commuters and with sport being played on Bedquilts fields at weekends. Sometimes speed is an issue and at other times not being able to move is the problem. Some worries were received on the impact of the New Generation Trolley Bus on the current no. 1 and no. 28 services.
A view was expressed regarding the lack of an identified community centre where residents could meet and access services. Also a need for a place where children could play safely was proposed. There was also suggestion for a skatepark which raised conflicting views.
In terms of Businesses and employment High Speed Broadband was seen as particularly important for home based businesses and those with premises. Also helpful would be an Information Centre for business people to access services and network together.
